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H. BRINKHAUS. V ENERGY STORING APPARATUS FOR wssms. No. 596,957. Patented Jam 4 898..

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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

H. BRINKHAUS. v ENERGY STORING APPARATUS FOR VESSEL-S.

No. 596,957. Patented Jan. 4, 1898.

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ENERGY STORING APPARATUS FOR- VEssBLs. No. 596,957. Patented Jan. 4, 1898.

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(N0 Modem 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

H. BRINKHAUS. ENERGY STORING APPARATUS FOR'VESSELS. No. 596,957. Patented Jan. 4, 1898.

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UNITED STATES PATENT EErcE.

HUGO BRINKHAUS, OF DENVER, COLORADO, ASSIGNOR TO ANNA BRINK- HAUS AND EUGENIA BRINKHAUS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

ENERGY-STORING APPARATUS FOR VESSELS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 596,957, dated January 4, 1898.

Application filed m 26, 1396.

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that Ll-luco BRINKHAUS,a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Denver, in the county of Arapahoe and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Energy-Storing Apparatus for Vessels; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact de scription of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention. relates to an apparatus for storing the power or energy exerted by vessels or any other floating construction as they are rocked and tossed by the wind and waves, whereby this stored energy may be utilized to aid in propelling the vessel or for other purposes; and to this end the invention consists of the features hereinafter described and claimed, all of which will be fully understood by reference to the accompanying d rawings,in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a section taken on the line Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the mechanism, partly in section.

Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate details l of construction, the parts being shown on a larger scale. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus. Fig. 11 is a detail view showing the manner of attaching the belts to their respective pulleys. Fig. 12 is a sectional detail view illustrating the ratchet-wheels keyed in place. Fig. 13 illustrates a detail view of construction. Fig. lei is a sectional View of the construction shown in Fig. 13.

Similar reference-characters indicating corresponding parts in the views, let the numeral designate the vessel, each side of which is suitably equipped with my improved apparatus. Hence as the apparatus attached to both sides of the vessel is exactly alike only one of the sides, together with a single apparatus, is shown in the drawings, which apparatus will now be described in detail.

To the side of the vessel, at a suitable height above the heel, is journaled a shaft 6,

Serial No. 593,122. (No model.)

to which are made fast two segmental gears '7. To these gears is attached a power-plate 8 of any suitable dimensions. Journaled within the ship is also another shaft 9, which may be termed a rock-shaft. This shaft 9 carries fast segmental gears 10, meshing with the gears '7, an opening 12 being left in the ships side to permit this connection or cooperation of the segmental gears. The gears are covered by a housing 13, which incloses or incases the opening 12. To this housing are attached suitable stuffingboxes 13, which prevent the water from entering the hull of the vessel, where the shaft 9 passes through the housing. Within the hull and located on opposite sides of the housing 13 are two pulleys 14. and two pulleys 15. Within the hull are also journaled two shafts 16 and 17. Upon the shaft 16 are mounted two loose pulleys 19, which are respectively connected with the pulleys 15 by means of belts 20. The extremities of each belt are made fast to the respective pulleys connected by the belt. In suitable proximity to each pulley 19 is located a disk 22. These disks are fast on the shaft 16 and carry dogs 23, which engage ratchetteeth 19', formed on the respective pulleys.

The shaft 16 is actuated from the shaft 9, the latter being driven in reverse directions during the oscillation of the power-plate 8. Hence the belts 20 are so arranged that the reverse movements of the shaft 9 propel the shaft 16 in one direction only-namely, that indicated by the arrows. (See Fig. 1.) To this end one belt passes over and the other underneath its pulley 15, while both belts pass over their respective pulleys 19. Connected with each pulley 19 is a spring 2 1, having one extremity made fast to the pulley, while its opposite extremity is secured to a collar A of a suitable stationarysupport A. (See Fig. 9.) When the shaft 9 moves in one direction, one pulley 19 is turned ,in such a manner as to actuate the shaft 16 and place the spring 2 1 under tension. 9 turns in the opposite direction, the one spring 24, placed under tension, as aforesaid, reverses its pulley and prevents the belt from slacking. During this operation the spring 24 of the other pulley or drum 19 is tightened,

When the shaft 5 and so the operation continues, the two pulleys or drums 19 acting on the shaft 16 alternately. Each spring 2st reverses its pulley to prevent the slacking of the belt 20 when the other pulley and belt are actuating the shaft 16. Fast on the shaft 16 is apinion 25, which meshes with a loose gear 26, mounted on the shaft 17. Surrounding the last-named shaft and having one extremity attached thereto is a heavy coiled spring 27, whose opposite extremity is attached to the gear 26, which is flanged to form a sort of housing for the spring, the outer extremity of the latter being made fast to the inner surface of the flange. As the shaft 16 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow (see Fig. 1) the pinion 25, meshing with the gear 26, causes the said gear to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow B. This rotation of the gear 26 tightens the spring 27 or places it under tension, the shaft being locked from movement by a dog 28, mounted on asuitable sta. tionary support and engaging the teeth of a ratchet-wheel 40, fast on the shaft. (See Fig. 6.) The gear 26 is locked against possible reverse movement by a dog 41, mounted on a suitable stationary support and engaging a ratchet-wheel 42, fast on the hub of the gear.

When it is desired to utilize the power stored in the spring 27, the shaft 17 is unlocked by disengaging the dog 28. The stored energy is then communicated to the propelling-shaft 32 through the medium of a belt 31, which connectsa pulley 29, fast on the shaft 17, with a pulley 30, fast on the propeller-shaft. In practice, however, it will undoubtedly be necessary or at least advantageous to regulate the speed by interposing suitable gearing between the shafts l7 and 32.

The normal position of the oscillatory power-plate 8 is that shown by full lines in Fig. 1. The mechanism should be provided with devices which have a tendency to maintain the power-plate in this normal position. As shown in the drawings, this function is performed through the instrumentality of two belts 33 and two springs 34, one extremity of each belt being attached to a pulley 14, fast on the shaft 9, while the opposite extremity of each belt is made fast to a horizontal disk or plate 36, upon which the corresponding spring 3e rests. These springs 34 are inclosed by suitable casings 35,provided with stop-caps 37 at the top. The disks 36 normally occupy the bottoms of these casings. One belt 33 passes underneath and the other over its corresponding pulley 14. The belts 33 are supported by guide-pulleys 39. As the shaft 9 is turned in opposite directions, as heretofore explained, the springs 34: are alternately compressed. The recoil of the springs has a tendency to return the power-plate to its normal position through the medium of the shafts 6 and 9 and the two segmental gears 7 and 10.

It is evident that any number of the powerplates 8, together with their corresponding mechanism, may .be attached to the vessel. The plate 8 resists the rocking motion of the vessel and has a tendency to remain stationary while the vessel rocks. Hence we may assume that the power-plate remains at rest while the vessel rocks and imparts to the shaft 9 the partial rotation in reverse directions necessary to actuate the mechanism, as heretofore explained.

The hull proper of the vessel is preferably so constructed as to facilitate the rocking thereof when acted on by the wind and wavesthat is to say, the sides of the hull are so curved as to offer the least possible resistance to this rocking action. This construc tion of hull is practicable when my improved apparatus is employed, since the tendency of the power-plates is to resist the rocking motion of the vessel and simultaneously aid in propelling the same through the instrumentality of the mechanism located intermediate the power-plates and the shaft of the propeller.

It is also evident that the power stored or generated by my improved mechanism may be first transmitted to a dynamo, air-compressor, or other machine located intermediate the said mechanism and the shaft of the propeller-screw.

It is further evident that my improved mechanism may be employed exclusively for the generation of electricity. In this case the ism would be anchored far enough from the shore to get the benefit of the wind and waves, and the electricity generated would be carried to the shore by suitable conducting-cables and utilized for any desired purpose.

Though I have heretofore only spoken of the power-plates as applied to the sides of the vessel, it must be understood that they may be applied to the bottom or any other exposed portion of the vessel where they may perform the function heretofore explained. They may be used on the sides only, on the bottom only, or on both the sides and bottom at the same time.

It will be readily understood that one segmental gear 7, meshing with one segmental gear 10 on the respective shafts 6 and 9, will operate the mechanism instead of the double gears 7 and 10.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a vessel or any other floating construction of a power-plate suitably mounted exteriorly thereon, a rockshaft 9 journaled in suitable proximity to the power-plate and connected therewith, a shaft 16 suitably j ournaled in the floating construction, means for connecting the shaft 16 with the shaft 9 in such a manner that the rocking motion of the shaft 9 will impart continuous rotation in one direction to the shaft 16, and suitable mechanism connected with the shaft 7 sea craft or vessel carrying the said mechan- 16 whereby the wave energy exerted upon the power-plate may be utilized to do work of any desired description.

2. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a vessel or any other floating construction of a power-plate suitably mounted exteriorly thereon, a rockshaft journaled in. suitable proximity to said power-plate, a gear connection between the powerplate and said shaft, a shaft 16 journaled within the vessel, a suitable connection between the rock-shaft and the shaft 16 whereby the movement of the former imparts con tinued rotation to the latter in the same direction, a shaft 17 also journaled within the vessel and carrying a spring, a suitable conneotion between the shafts 16 and 17 whereby power may be stored in the spring carried by the latter, and a suitable connection between the shaft 17 and the shaft of the propellingscrew substantially as described.

3. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a vessel of a power-plate suitably mounted thereoma rockshaft journaled in suitable proximity to the power-plate, a suitable connection between the rock-shaft and the power-plate whereby the movement of the plate or the equivalent movement of the vessel actuates the shaft, a shaft 16 journaled within the vessel, a suitable connection between the shaft 16 and the rock-shaft whereby the movement of the latter imparts continuous rotation to the former in the same direction, a shaft 17 also journaled in the vessel and carrying a spring, and a suitable connection between the shafts 16 and 17 whereby the movement of the former actuates-the latter and places the spring under tension substantially as described.

L In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a vessel or any other floating construction, of the power-plate journaled exteriorly on the vessel and provided with a gear, a rock-shaft 9 journaled within the vessel and having a gear meshing with the gear on the power-plate, the pulleys 15 fast on the shaft 9, a shaft 16 also journaled within the vessel, two loose pulleys 19 mounted thereon, belts 2O connecting the pulleys 19 to pulleys 15, the extremities of each belt being made fast to its respective pulley, one belt passing over and the other under its pulley 15, while both. belts pass over their pulleys 19, suitable mechanism for making the pulleys 19 fast on the shaft 16 whereby continued rotation is imparted to the shaft 16 by the movement of the rock-shaft, means for automatically reversing the movement of each pulley 19 to prevent the belts 20 from slacking, a shaft 17 journaled within the ves sel and carrying a spring and a suitable con nection between the shafts 16 and 17 whereby the movement of the former actuates the lat ter and places its spring under tension.

5. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a vessel or any other floating construction of the power-plate suitably mounted exteriorly thereon and can rying a gear, a rock-shaft journaled in suit able proximity to the powenplate, suitable mechanism located within the vessel intermediate the rock-shaft and the shaft of the propelling-screw whereby the movement of said plate or the equivalent movement of the vessel imparts motion to the propeller-shaft, and suitable means connected with the rockshaft and having a tendency to maintain the power-plate in its normal position substan tially as described.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a vessel or other floating construction, of a body exteriorly located with reference to the vessel and adapted to resist the heaving, rolling and pitching motion of the vessel, a shaft 16 journaled within the hull of the vessel, a suitable connection between the shaft 16 and the said eXteriorly -located resisting body, whereby the movement of the vessel, with reference to the resisting-body, acts on the said connection between the shaft 16 and said body, and imparts continuous rotation to the said shaft in one direction, a shaft 17 located within the hull of the vessel and suitably journaled, energy-storing mechanism mounted on said last-named shaft, a suitable connection between the shaft 16 and said energy-storing mechanism, and a suitable connection between the energy-storing mechanism and the propeller or other shaft whereby the stored energy may be utilized to do work of any desired description.

7. The combination with a vessel or any other floating construction, of a power-plate journaled exteriorly on the hull of the vessel, having its axis extending lengthwise with the vessel and so located that it is at all times completely submerged with a sufficient volume of water pressing on it from above and below to hold the power-plate in a relativelyfixed position, thereby adapting it to resist the rolling and pitching of the vessel, suitable mechanism located within the vessel for utilizing, storing or converting energy, and a suitable connection between the powerplate and said mechanism whereby the energy developed by the power-plate is communicated or transmitted to the said mechanism.

8. The combination with a vessel or other floating construction, of a power-plate having its axis extending lengthwise of the vessel and journaled exteriorly thereon in a permanently-submerged location, or in a location where it is at all times completely submerged, suitable mechanism located within the vessel for utilizing or storing energy, and suitable means for transmitting the energy of the power-plate to the said mechanism.

9. The combination with a vessel or other floating construction, of a power-plate journaled exteriorly on the hull of the vessel and so located that it is at all times completely submerged with a sufficient volume of water veloped by the power-plate to the said mechpressing upon it from above and belOw t0 .anism. 1o hold'the power-plate in a relatively-fixed po- In testimony whereof I affix my signature sition, thereby adapting it to resist the rollin the presence of two witnesses. 5 ing and pitching of the Vessel, suitable Inech- HUGO BRINKHAUS.

anism located within the vessel for utilizing, XVitnesses: storing or converting energy, and suitable ALFRED J. OBRIEN, mechanism for transmitting the energy del ISHAM R. I-IOWZE. 

